2026 Kia EV3 Specs, Redesign, MPG

2026 Kia EV3 Specs, Redesign, MPG – Kia is known for upending the electric vehicle industry. Compared to the Kia EV6, which did so initially, and the Kia EV9, which made its appearance more recently, the 2026 Kia EV3 is intended to appeal to a larger audience.

Although it receives high marks for effectiveness, packing, and interior design, there are still certain problems with the driving experience, which we’ll investigate more once the UK-standard cars are delivered. If Kia has resolved a problem with cars made in the UK, then it has truly struck the mark.

2026 Kia EV3 Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

We’re happy to notice that Kia’s interior design has improved with the arrival of the EV9 and the EV3. The entire ambience is contemporary, however not to the same extent as competitors such as the VW ID.3 and the Volvo EX30. Many customers will find it appealing that Kia has kept the spinning knobs for the temperature, audio volume, and fan.

The general interior design finds a mix between current and efficient without being harsh. Though the materials aren’t extravagant, everything has a solid, well-made feel owing to the smart textiles and, in the case of our GT-Line test vehicle, the soft synthetic leather-like material on the seats.

All EV3 models are well-equipped, but the top model boasts a 360-degree camera, an eight-speaker Harman-Kardon premium sound system, a motorized tailgate, and an electric sunroof. The digital interface of the EV3 houses much of its capabilities. Three screens are tastefully incorporated into a single 30-inch-wide box to make up the configuration. Though it lacks customizing possibilities, the driver’s display is clear and has Kia’s sophisticated blind-spot monitoring camera technology.

The temperature and ventilation controls are located on the smaller, five-inch screen adjacent to it. The controls are large and easily accessible, yet reading them from the driver’s position may be a bit tricky. The third screen shows the main infotainment system for the Kia, which has various options but is normally straightforward to operate.

Along with a charging station located in the center cubby, standard features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that operate wirelessly. Beyond this are exceptionally comfy seats, a spacious glovebox, and loads of capacity for storing smaller objects. Inside, there are plenty of USB-C ports, and like previous Kia EVs, this one can also put the seats in a “relaxation” mode while it charges.

2026 Kia EV3 Specs

Engine & Performance

Similar to the bigger EV6, the EV3 is a well-made and simple to use vehicle. It’s also easy to transition because the throttle and stop pedals feel really natural. The brakes are especially outstanding because of the smooth transition between the friction and regeneration modes.

One of the better regenerative braking systems available is Kia’s iPedal, which has paddles positioned on the steering wheel. Three regenerative braking levels and a “fully off” setting are available. Furthermore, an automated mode is included that adjusts the regeneration level in relation to junctions and traffic signals.

With 201 horsepower and 283 Nm of torque, the front-mounted electric motor isn’t too enthusiastic while accelerating into traffic. This means that while accelerating into traffic, performance is compromised.

There are four driving modes to select from, however the Sport mode is a little deceptive as it doesn’t truly vary the performance that is delivered. Rather, it will alter the throttle pedal’s programming to make it more responsive and give the steering a little bit more weight. There are three more options available: Eco, Normal, and a customizable programmable option.

The high kerbweight has an extra influence on the handling and ride quality. Overall, it’s great, albeit there can be a lot of body roll and it could feel a little bouncy over undulations. The EV3 isn’t a very sporty car to drive, which may not matter much for this kind of crossover. However, it will be customized for European markets, unlike the Korean model being tested here, so a final decision will need to be taken once in the UK.

The front has plenty of room, and the large window and low console make it easy to see well when driving. The back has a good amount of room as well, and three people may easily fit there comfortably thanks to the flat floor. Even though three kid seats cannot fit side by side, the backseat is nonetheless comfortable because to the large rear door apertures and spacious windows.

With a concealed underfloor cubby and a false floor that removes the load lip to provide a level load space, the 460-liter boot is spacious for the class. The backrest may be adjusted, and the back seats are divided 60/40. The second boot under the hood is only 25 liters, but it provides a useful location up front for storing the charging wire.

2026 Kia EV3 Fuel Economy

Sophisticated efficiency and a battery capacity of 81.3kWh make the EV3 Long Range one of the top long-distance EVs on the market today. This is a relatively large battery for the industry. Driving in cities and on highways, we averaged about 4.6m/kWh; however, we never went above the 62 mph speed limit on Korean roads.

It did, however, assist the EV3 in fulfilling its remarkable 372 mile official range claim. Although Kia has improved its offering in this class, we anticipate a decline in these figures due to the UK’s quicker roadways and more temperate climate.

With a maximum DC charging rate of 128kW, top-up rates are respectable if not spectacular, recharging the battery from 10 to 80 percent capacity in around 30 minutes. Despite having a 102kW lower charging rate, models with the smaller battery take about the same amount of time to complete the 10-80% top-up. You don’t get a complex 800V design with this model because it is smaller and less expensive than the EV6 and EV9, but the 400V arrangement is still good.

2026 Kia EV3 Safety Features

Given its new model status and many safety measures, we are certain that Kia will do admirably in European testing.

• Thatcham category 1 security alarm and immobiliser with interior protection
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2.0 (FCA 2.0) with city, pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning and junction crossing functionality
• Highway Driving Assist 2.0 (HDA 2.0) with hands-on detection
• Smart Cruise Control 2.0 (SCC 2.0) with stop and go functionality
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear-Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RTCA)
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
• Rear occupant alert
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• ISOFIX child seat top tethers and anchor fixings for rear outer seats

Since the EV3 is a relatively new vehicle on the market, Euro NCAP has not yet evaluated it. But when it does, we believe that its entire suite of active and passive safety measures should ensure an excellent result.

Across the board, Kia’s EV and ICE models have very high dependability ratings. In this year’s Driver Power study, Kia was only scored lower than Tesla and Subaru—a remarkable accomplishment given the variety of vehicles Kia sells.

2026 Kia EV3 Release Date & Price

There are two battery capacities and three trim options available for the 2026 Kia EV3. The starting price for the entry-level Air model with a 58.3kWh battery is £32,995, and the price climbs to £35,995 when the bigger 81.4kWh battery is selected. The GT-Line and GT-Line S trims, which start at £39,495 and £42,995, respectively, only have the larger battery pack.

The larger of the two batteries powers the single motor, which is anticipated to be the best-seller in the UK; however, a dual-motor option will be made available soon. The Kia is more affordable than major rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 and Volvo EX30, but it also comes with more amenities and a longer battery life (81.4 kWh).

Conclusion

The Volvo EX30, Volkswagen ID.3, and Cupra Born are expected to be Kia’s primary opponents for the EV3, yet it’s difficult to categorize competitors based just on whether or not they’re SUVs. With a skateboard chassis below, all of them are powered by contemporary EV-native platforms and have a range of over 300 miles between charges.

All three of them have more engine options thanks to the powerful dual-motor Volvo and the new Born VZ performance flagships from VW’s GTX and Cupra. While they aren’t quite the EV3’s direct competitors just yet, we wouldn’t be shocked to see a GT model join the dual-motor range that should be available by the end of the year.

Note: The details included in this blog post are derived from pre-release material that was accessible when the article was written. If you want the latest information, you should check official sources or call your nearest dealership.